Gus Malzahn has not yet publicly announced whether quarterback Nick Marshall will be suspended for the season opener against Arkansas on Aug. 30 following a citation for marijuana possession in Georgia on July 11. "Consequences" are coming, Malzahn said Monday, but he is not yet ready to say what the punishment might entail.

No matter the decision, coaches appear confident with or without the returning starter on the field. "The good thing is we've got Jeremy Johnson, who could start for the majority of teams in college football," Malzahn said Monday at SEC Media Days. "We'll see what happens."

Johnson presents a different element to the Tigers' offense, which might require some patience on the coaches' part. Johnson and Marshall are both capable runners, but their strengths are not necessarily the same, and that could affect Malzahn's play calls.

Marshall (6-1, 210) is a dangerous threat in the zone-read option on outside runs, but Johnson's size (6-5, 230) and speed is more suitable for an inside-zone scheme. Tweaks will surely be made to the offense if Johnson must start against the Razorbacks, though the changes will not be significant.

It's believed Marshall's citation is his first drug-related offense, which means coaches could decide to side only with the school's drug policy, which does not require a loss of playing time. Additional punishment is also possible.

Johnson should be used to stepping in when needed. He was asked to contribute in tough spots as a freshman last season and he mostly delivered for the Tigers in a pinch, especially when Marshall missed the bulk of two non-conference games with injuries.

Johnson was 29-of-41 passing for 422 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions, and he garnered two SEC Freshman of the Week awards in relief of Marshall. More importantly, he proved capable with little time to prepare -- he replaced Marshall for situational plays and completed passes for first downs against Arkansas and Georgia before he was quickly summoned back to the sideline.

Johnson also packed on some much-needed muscle in the offseason, gaining 10 to 12 pounds in the offseason, and improved his accuracy and understanding of the offense during spring practices.

Marshall and Johnson organized voluntary workouts in the summer and ran pass skeleton drills and other similar workouts with the receivers. Marshall also invited three teammates -- receivers Tony Stevens, Marcus Davis and D'haquille Williams -- to his hometown, where they coached and practiced against players at Wilcox County (Rochelle, Georgia) High.

Meanwhile, Johnson worked on his "maturity" and leadership, Lashlee said. The former Montgomery Carver star is also still working on his footwork, which needs polishing.

Johnson's talent is readily apparent and Malzahn went as far to say in the summer of 2013 Johnson has an "NFL" arm. He proved it as a freshman hitting several receivers in stride on deep routes for big gains and touchdowns.

"We feel comfortable and confident in everything he's been doing," tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "He's one of the leaders. He's not a senior, he's not the tarting guy, but he's definitely one of the leaders on the field and we trust him with every aspect of playing football. If he plays, then that will be a lot of fun."

Auburn figures to switch to a more balanced approach this season with Mason in the NFL and more experience at receiver. The arrival of Williams, the top junior college player in the nation, has also excited coaches.

Johnson did not expect to be the go-to quarterback in 2014, but his time might be now with Marshall's future up in the air.

"I'm looking forward to that time and that moment," Johnson said in January.